Best Made in USA Holiday Shopping

A made in USA item for everyone on your list! And no, you can’t order the guy in the suspenders.

It’s that time of year again! I am already listening to holiday music… are you? You may be wondering, gosh, how can I do some affordable made in USA holiday shopping for everyone on my list? Look no further! As I shop made in USA all the time, I’ve done your research for you. You may be surprised at how affordable made in USA shopping can be, especially when companies like Groupon have jumped on board the local train! Here are my 2017 top sources for made in USA goods, and my top picks from each of those sources.

1. Etsy

Gosh I love etsy. Not only are you shopping small business, but the customization options for made in usa holiday gifts are endless! For affordable Jewelry, you can’t beat PingoVita by Amanda Stauffer. A wife and a mother from Madison WI, she makes amazing jewelry for under $15. I bought a necklace from her that I wear every day, and it hasn’t broken yet even though it’s been six months! I am notoriously hard on my jewelry, but Stauffer’s products are durable and beautiful.

For a hands on gift, I’ve always been a sucker for handmade personalized cutting boards. Wood cutting boards are much better for your knives, and handmade wood cutting boards are so beautiful, and much better for your soul! I have a wood cutting board I splurged on three years ago, and I just love taking it out every day to chop vegetables. Is that a cooking nerd thing to say? Is cooking nerd even a thing? Anyways, one of the best parts about these cutting boards is that you don’t have to splurge, as most can be ordered for under $30!

2. Groupon

Groupon has surprised me! It’s really a sign of the Made in USA movement’s growing success, when finding made in USA items on Groupon is so easy. Simply type in Made in USA into the groupon search function, and tons of affordable gift ideas will pop up. My current favorite picks (though of course they are going to change) are the $37.99 silk suspenders, and these $18.99 cold shoulder cut out tops. Both are perfect for any holiday or new year’s party!

3. PETA store

PETA not only has good ethics when it comes to animals, but amazing ethics when it comes to manufacturing! Almost every single item, from their t-shirts to their key chains, are made in the USA. Did I also mention that they were affordable as well? This vegan key chain is just $2.99, and this holiday sweater is under $20. I love both of them, but the best of all this T-shirt, as it speaks the absolute truth and says Vegans Are Magical! Any item off PETA’s website would make a great made in USA holiday gift for the ethical eaters in your life.

5. Made in PDX Store

I love Portland, and not only because I am moving their in January. I just love the buy local initiative, showcased by Portland’s own Made in PDX store! The items can be affordable or expensive, but they all have that perfect Portland hipster flare. I love their beanies, because well, how Portland is that? Followed by the classic leather billfold by Orox Leather Co. I know leather is very un-vegan of me, but as long as some people choose to eat meat, I believe the leather might as well be used and cherished. It’s much better for the environment than plastic derived alternatives. So get it while you can, before the whole world turns vegan!

Jesse’s Choice: The Squatty Potty

The man in this family’s choice is the original pooping stool, which just so happens to be affordable (under $30) and Made in the USA. Just like most of your poops!

This Week in Updates: I found a puppy!

Poor girl, but such a trooper!

It’s been a surprising and interesting week, topped off by a puppy on my way home from work. I often see stray dogs, but never was able to coax any of them into taking a ride in my bicycle pannier. Miss Eliot, as I am calling her, was scared and cold and alone, and was happy to take a ride and come home with me. With a different military schedule, and a little less travel, I would have loved to keep her. In fact, I considered it, though I would have to have a friends help watch her until my move date in January. However, luckily a friend happened to be looking for a dog, and I think they have the start of a beautiful relationship. I just miss her a little bit, and can’t wait until Jesse and I can get a fur baby of our own.

I found Ellie, then texted Reese, who just happened to know Kai was just talking about adopting a dog the night before and… well, sometimes magic happens!

The Recipe: Easy Vegan Eggs

Wow, this was a complete vegan eye opener to me. With this basic recipe, you can do almost anything you did with eggs, with tofu! The texture can be made just how you liked your eggs/omelettes, and the taste, while different from eggs, is delicious. To make your eggs runny, add less flour, as this recipe is for firm eggs (my personal favorite). The best way to cook them, in my opinion, is in olive oil with some fresh thyme, and salt and pepper.